Non-thermal H2 plasma regeneration of Au/MoS2 for CO2 oxidative dehydrogenation of propane

CO 2 -assisted oxidative dehydrogenation of propane (CO 2 -ODHP) is a promising route for propylene production and CO 2 utilization, but catalyst sintering under harsh reaction and coke-burning conditions limits industrial deployment. Here, we report a practical regeneration strategy in which non-thermal H 2 plasma rapidly restores Au/MoS 2 catalysts that were deactivated by sintering at 600°C. The plasma treatment regioselectively reconstructs supported Au nanoparticles into raft-like Au domains enriched in unsaturated Au δ+ sites and stabilized by strong Au−S interactions, and this effect results in a 6.3-fold increase in propylene yield. The regenerated catalyst shows industrially relevant propylene productivity, high operational stability, and repeated regenerability. Mechanistic studies indicate that the Au rafts, electronically promoted by subsurface sulfur, facilitate propane C−H activation while accelerating hydrogen spillover and propylene desorption. These findings establish plasma-driven catalyst reconstruction as an effective regeneration strategy for light-alkane dehydrogenation and sustainable olefin production.